End of third quarter: New Orleans 67, Sonics 65

The Sonics came out with some passion and have made this a game, thanks to Kurt Thomas, who scored 12 points in the third quarter. He and Chris Wilcox each already have a double-double while the Sonics were able to hold New Orleans to 5-for-15 shooting in the third period. Chris Paul scored eight of the Hornets’ 15 points in the period and is frustrating the Sonics defense with his quickness.

Kevin Durant leads the Sonics with 16 points on 5-for-17 shooting while Thomas has 12 and Wilcox and Wally Szczerbiak each have 10.